Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will repeat what I said in my original reply. I am satisfied that the proposals in the action plan fully respect the EU treaties and the Lisbon protocols and pose no challenge to Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality. There is also a clear recognition and reaffirmation that defence remains a member state prerogative. Decisions about expenditure, military capabilities, research and technology are matters for member states. We will consider the Commission's proposal. I am not going to indicate to what we are going to commit.

To address Deputy Chambers, we live in a very changing society. We have to be ready for every eventuality. We must have our Defence Forces equipped as best as they can be in order that they will be able to measure up and equal any other defence force. That is a real challenge for us. There are benefits for us in the proposal. We have to be able to equip our Defence Forces and that is the most important thing.

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